Firearm Barrel Stiffening and/or Cooling Systems and Methods

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL

The disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. Unless otherwise noted, all trademarks and service marks identified herein are owned by the applicant.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
1. Field of the Present Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of barrels or projectile tubes. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to stiffening and/or cooling systems and methods for firearm barrels or projectile tubes.

2. Description of Related Art

It is generally known that firearm barrels or projectile tubes are to typically formed of an elongate tube or tubular structure, usually constructed of metal, having a single projectile bore formed through the tube. In, for example, a handgun or rifle, the projectile bore extends from a projectile chamber, along a longitudinal axis of the barrel, to a terminating end. Rapidly expanding propellant gases from an explosive charge are released in at least a portion of a projectile chamber in order to propel a bullet or projectile through the projectile bore and out of the terminating end at a high velocity. Most typically, barrels or projectile tubes are components of firearms or artillery pieces.

Firearm barrels or projectile tubes are typically solid in nature without internal structures present, apart from the single, internal projectile bore. Solid forms add considerable weight as their diameters increase. Large diameters will add to the ability of the firearm barrel/tube to respond consistently to the explosive charge of the ignition and to the projectile traveling down the internal length. Large, heavy barrels (such as, for example, bull barrels) add weight to the system making them heavy and or ponderous to handle and move.

Solid barrels are also inefficient at dissipating heat. As the mass of the barrel increases, the surface area decreases for a given material. Therefore, the larger mass at some condition will be harder to cool since the heat input will be greater per ratio as compared to the reducing surface area.

Firearm barrels, particularly long rifle barrels may be machine bored from a metallic cylindrical barrel blank. The barrel blank may be rotated about its axis on a lathe, drilling, EDM, hammer forged, or drill like machine such that the interior is bore out with grooves to facilitate the rotation of a fired bullet. Many firearm barrels may be unable to maintain a consistent projectile shot after heavy usage or after altering projectile type manufacturers. Heavy use and alternate projectile types may impose significant and differing torsional and sinusoidal forces on the firearm barrel. Additionally, the barrel may become overheated. Furthermore, many firearm barrels contribute a substantial amount of weight to the overall weight of a manufactured firearm.

Some of the problems associated with typical firearm barrel reinforcement may be due to the lack of sufficient torsional and sinusoidal reinforcement, which may directly affect the stiffness of the firearm barrel and the accuracy of the projectile. The usage of a firearm may be further hindered by the unnecessary weight of the firearm barrels. After repeated use the firearm barrel may become overheated which may directly impact the accuracy of the projectile.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, or the like, which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

To overcome these and other shortcomings of known firearm barrels or projectile tubes the presently disclosed systems and methods provide increased stiffening and/or cooling to firearm barrels or projectile tubes.

In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the presently disclosed systems and methods provide a firearm barrel stiffener apparatus and cooling system that creates a stiffer barrel with enhanced cooling capabilities and a reduction in weight. In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the barrel stiffness may be increased by enlarging the total diameter of the barrel and adding one or more hollow tubes, substantially along the longitudinal axis of the barrel.

In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the hollow tubes assist in increasing the torsional and sinusoidal stiffness of the barrel as compared to a solid barrel of the same mass. In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the barrel exhibits enhanced cooling capabilities due to the increased surface area of the barrel and the tubes.

In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the barrel cooling capabilities are further enhanced by facilitating the ventilation of outside cool air in concert with evacuating the heated air within the barrel. The evacuation may be accomplished by a Venturi effect in which a fired projectile may pull outside cool air into the tubes as the projectile exits the barrel. Further cooling may be accomplished by exterior surface finishes and textures that may increase the surface area.

In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the barrel stiffness is increased by the tubes acting as reinforcing tubes and resulting !-beam type structures reacting together to increase the torsional and sinusoidal stiffness of the barrel.

The barrel may have enhanced cooling capabilities due to the increased surface area of the barrel and reinforcing tubes.

In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the presently disclosed barrel includes at least some of a body comprising an elongate tubular structure extending from a breach end to a muzzle end; a projectile bore extending from a projectile chamber to the muzzle end; and one or more tubular recesses formed in the body, wherein each tubular recess is defined by an elongate hole extending from an open end formed in an area proximate the muzzle end.

In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the presently disclosed barrel includes at least some of a body comprising an elongate tubular structure extending from a breach end to a muzzle end; a projectile bore extending from a projectile chamber to the muzzle end; one or more tubular recesses formed in the body, wherein each tubular recess is defined by an elongate hole extending from an open end formed in an area proximate the muzzle end; and one or more apertures formed through the body, wherein each aperture provides fluid communication between an exterior of the barrel and at least one of the one or more tubular recesses.

In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the presently disclosed barrel includes at least some of a body comprising an elongate tubular structure extending from a breach end to a muzzle end; a projectile bore extending from a projectile chamber to the muzzle end; one or more tubular recesses formed in the body, wherein each tubular recess extends from the open end, along one or more side walls, to a bottom wall; and one or more apertures formed through the body, wherein each aperture provides fluid communication between an exterior of the barrel and at least one of the one or more tubular recesses.

Accordingly, the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses separately and optionally provide improved stiffness to firearm barrels and/or projectile tubes.

The presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses separately and optionally provide improved cooling attributes to firearm barrels and/or projectile tubes.

The presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses separately and optionally provide improved accuracy imparted to a bullet or projectile as it travels through a firearm barrel or projectile tube.

The presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses separately and optionally create a stiffer barrel with enhanced cooling capabilities and a reduction in weight.

The presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses separately and optionally provide a barrel having a larger diameter within similar weight to a smaller diameter barrel.

The presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses separately and optionally provide a barrel having exterior surface finishes and textures.

The presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses separately and optionally provide a barrel having improved cooling capabilities by facilitating the ventilation of outside cool air in concert with evacuating the heated air within the barrel.

These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses are described in or are apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses and the accompanying figures. Other aspects and features of embodiments of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the following description of specific, exemplary embodiments of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses in concert with the figures. While features of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses may be discussed relative to certain embodiments and figures, all embodiments of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses can include one or more of the features discussed herein. Further, while one or more embodiments may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used with the various embodiments of the systems, methods, and/or apparatuses discussed herein. In similar fashion, while exemplary embodiments may be discussed below as device, system, or method embodiments, it is to be understood that such exemplary embodiments can be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses.

Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems that are to described herein with regard to specific embodiments are not intended to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature(s) or element(s) of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses or the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

As required, detailed exemplary embodiments of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, within the scope of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to illustrate details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses.

The exemplary embodiments of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a known firearm barrel;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a known firearm barrel;

FIG. 3 illustrates an upper, rear, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the barrel, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 4 illustrates a lower, rear, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the barrel, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 5 illustrates an upper, front, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the barrel, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 6 illustrates a lower, front, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the barrel, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the barrel, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 8 illustrates a right side view of an exemplary embodiment of the barrel, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of the barrel, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side, cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of the barrel of FIG. 7, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the barrel, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 11 illustrates a side, cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of the barrel of FIG. 7, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the barrel, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 12 illustrates a side, cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of the barrel of FIG. 7, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the barrel, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the barrel, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the barrel, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the barrel, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the barrel, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 17 illustrates an upper, front, perspective view of a front portion of an exemplary embodiment of the barrel, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 18 illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the barrel, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 19 illustrates a front, cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 of the barrel of FIG. 8;

FIG. 20 illustrates an upper, front, perspective view of a front portion of an exemplary embodiment of the barrel, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 21 illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the barrel, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 22 illustrates a graphical representation of how exemplary tubular recesses may work against each other as resultant forces are distributed throughout the barrel, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 23 illustrates a graphical representation of how exemplary tubular recesses may work against each other as resultant forces are distributed throughout the barrel, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses; and

FIG. 24 illustrates a graphical representation of how exemplary tubular recesses may have an interaction such that the torsional stiffness of the barrel is increased, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

For simplicity and clarification, the design factors and operating principles of the barrel according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses are explained with reference to various exemplary embodiments of a barrel according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses. The basic explanation of the design factors and operating principles of the barrel is applicable for the understanding, design, and operation of the barrel of the presently disclosed to systems, methods, and/or apparatuses. It should be appreciated that the barrel can be adapted to many applications where a barrel can be used.

As used herein, the word “may” is meant to convey a permissive sense (i.e., meaning “having the potential to”), rather than a mandatory sense (i.e., meaning “must”). Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the exemplary embodiments and/or elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such exemplary embodiments and/or elements.

The term “coupled”, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless stated otherwise.

Throughout this application, the terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include”, (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are used as open-ended linking verbs. It will be understood that these terms are meant to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer, step, or group of elements, integers, or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer, step, or group of elements, integers, or steps. As a result, a system, method, or apparatus that “comprises”, “has”, “includes”, or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Similarly, a method or process that “comprises”, “has”, “includes” or “contains” one or more operations possesses those one or more operations but is not limited to possessing only those one or more operations.

It should also be appreciated that the terms “firearm”, “firearm barrel”, “projectile tube”, and “barrel” are used for basic explanation and understanding of the operation of the systems, methods, and apparatuses of to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses. Therefore, the terms “firearm”, “firearm barrel”, “projectile tube”, and “barrel” are not to be construed as limiting the systems, methods, and apparatuses of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses. Thus, for example, the term “barrel” is to be understood to broadly include any elongate tube or tubular structure having at least one projectile bore formed through the tube.

For simplicity and clarification, the barrel of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses will be described as being a barrel used in conjunction with a firearm, such as a rifle or carbine. However, it should be appreciated that these are merely exemplary embodiments of the barrel and are not to be construed as limiting the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses. Thus, the barrel of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses may be utilized in conjunction with any object or device that uses a tube to restrain and guide an object or projectile.

As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration”. The embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described embodiments are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

Turning now to the appended drawing figures, FIGS. 1-2 illustrate an exemplary, known rifle barrel 10. As illustrated, the barrel 10 includes a body 12 comprising an elongate tube or tubular structure extending generally from a breach end 14 to a muzzle end 16. A single projectile bore 19 extends from a projectile chamber 18, along a longitudinal axis of the barrel 10, to the muzzle end 16.

In various exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the breach end 14 comprises external threads 15, which allow the barrel 10 to be threadedly attached or coupled to a receiver of a firearm.

In various exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the muzzle end 16 comprises external threads 17, which allow various muzzle devices (such as, for example, muzzle brakes, flash hiders, flash suppressors, sound suppressors, etc.) to be threadedly attached or coupled to the muzzle end 16 of the barrel 10.

It should also be appreciated that a more detailed explanation of known firearm or other barrels is not provided herein because such additional background information will be known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

FIGS. 3-21 illustrate certain elements and/or aspects of an exemplary embodiment of the barrel 100, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses. In illustrative, non-limiting embodiments of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses, as illustrated most clearly in FIGS. 3-21, the barrel 100 comprises a body 112 comprising an elongate tube or tubular structure extending generally from a breach end 114 to a muzzle end 116. The barrel 100 may be formed from a substantially solid cylindrical metallic barrel blank. The outer diameter of the body 112 is a design choice based upon the desired functionality and/or overall weight of the barrel 100.

A single projectile bore 119 extends from a projectile chamber 118, along a longitudinal axis, A_L, of the barrel 110, to the muzzle end 116. The inner and outer diameter of the projectile chamber 118 may be configured to any suitable size to account for various types and sizes of ammunition for varying purposes and safety concerns. The overall length of the barrel 100 is a design choice based upon the desired appearance and/or functionality of the barrel 100.

In various exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the breach end 114 comprises external threads 115, which allow the barrel 110 to be threadedly attached or coupled to a receiver of a firearm.

In various exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the to muzzle end 116 comprises external threads 117, which allow various muzzle devices (such as, for example, muzzle brakes, flash hiders, flash suppressors, sound suppressors, etc.) to be threadedly attached or coupled to the muzzle end 116 of the barrel 110.

One or more tubular recesses 120 are formed in the body 112 of the barrel 110. Each tubular recess 120 comprises an elongate hole formed so as to extend from the muzzle end 116 (or a shoulder 116′ formed proximate the muzzle end 116). Each tubular recess 120 is defined by one or more side walls 122 and a bottom wall 121 and extends from the bottom wall 121, along the one or more side walls 122, to an open end 123.

While the tubular recesses 120 are illustrated and described as being substantially tubular or cylindrical, with a substantially circular cross-sectional profile, in various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, each of the tubular recesses 120 may have a substantially circular, rectangular, square, triangular, or other desired profile.

In various exemplary embodiments, the tubular recesses 120 are arranged in a radial pattern so as to surround the projectile bore 119. It should be appreciated that the size, shape, depth, number, and arrangement of tubular recesses 120 within the body 112 of the barrel 100 is a design choice. For example, as illustrated most clearly in FIGS. 17-19, eight tubular recesses 120 are arranged in a radial fashion, at spaced apart locations, around the projectile bore 119. The tubular recesses 120 are also arranged at a consistent distance from the projectile bore 119. In certain other exemplary embodiments, as illustrated most clearly in FIGS. 20-21, six tubular recesses 120 are arranged in a radial fashion, at spaced apart locations, around the projectile bore 119. The tubular recesses 120 are also arranged at a consistent distance from the projectile bore 119.

However, it should be appreciated that the number of tubular recesses 120 may be varied, the distance between adjacent tubular recesses 120 may be varied, and the distance between the tubular recesses 120 and the projectile bore 119 may also be varied. Furthermore, in various exemplary embodiments, various or alternating tubular recesses may be formed at varying distances from the projectile bore 119.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the tubular recesses 120 are evenly distributed. Alternatively, the tubular recesses 120 may be unequally distributed within the body 112 of the barrel 100. The tubular recesses 120 may be disposed in a single radial pattern or by multiple radial patterns and other configurations.

In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the tubular recesses 120 may be disposed and in number, such that they reduce the overall weight of the barrel 100 thereby allowing for the utilization of an enlarged diameter of the barrel 100. Furthermore, the tubular recesses 120 may increase the total surface area of the barrel 100, thereby facilitating increased cooling. An enlarged diameter of the barrel 100 may increase the torsional stiffness and total surface area of the barrel 100.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the tubular recesses 120 are formed so as to have a longitudinal axis that is parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the projectile bore 119. Alternatively, the tubular recesses 120 may be formed so as to form a wave pattern or spiral through the body 112 of the barrel 100.

Thus, the barrel 100 optionally comprises multiple radially oriented tubular recesses 120 oriented around the axis of the projectile bore 119. The tubular recesses 120 may be applied on a single radial pattern or a multiple radial pattern. The tubular recesses 120 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis, A_L, of the projectile bore 119 spaced at substantially equal distance between adjacent tubular recesses 120 and the outer edge of the projectile bore 119.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the tubular recesses 120 may optionally provide an overall weight reduction to the barrel 100 by the removal of material from the body 112. In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments the tubular recesses 120 may allow for the largest total diameter of the barrel 100 possible, which is made feasible due to the weight reduction directly attributed to the hollow tubular recesses 120.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the hollow tubular recesses 120 may optionally assist in increasing the torsional and sinusoidal stiffness of the barrel 100. This may be achieved because a larger total diameter barrel 100 is possible when compared to a substantially solid barrel or rod like structure of the same mass. The larger total diameter of the barrel 100 and the addition of the tubular recesses 120 may increase the strength and stiffness of the barrel 100.

In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the tubular recesses 120 may create surfaces that will oppose each other as the tubular recesses 120 are stressed flexurally, tensionally, sinusoidally, and while in compression, thereby equalizing resultant forces from a fired projectile. In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the tubular recesses 120 create a second stiffening structure, as the area between the tubular recesses 120 creates an “I-beam” type structure. “I-beam” type structures are known for their inherent stiffness due to their shape.

In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the tubular recesses 120 may enhance the cooling capabilities of the barrel 100 due to an increased surface area of the barrel 100.

In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, cooling capabilities of the barrel 100 may be further enhanced by facilitating the ventilation of outside cool or ambient air in concert with evacuating the heated air within the tubular recesses 120 of the barrel 100. In certain exemplary embodiments, one or more apertures 130 are formed through the body 112 of the barrel 100 so as to provide fluid communication between the exterior of the barrel 100 and the cavity of the tubular recess 120.

In various exemplary embodiments, as illustrated most clearly in FIGS. 3-12, the apertures 130 may be provided in a substantially spiral arrangement along a portion of the barrel 100. Alternatively, as illustrated most clearly in FIG. 14, the apertures 130 may be provided in various spaced apart locations along a portion of the barrel 100. It should be appreciated that the inclusion, size, number, and position of the apertures 130 is optional and a design choice based upon the desired appearance and/or functionality of the barrel 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the apertures 130 may not be included, as they are optional.

If one or more apertures 130 are included, the evacuation of air within the one or more tubular recesses 120 may be accomplished by a Venturi effect in which a fired projectile may pull outside cool air into the tubular recesses 120, via the one or more apertures 130, as the projectile exits the barrel 100.

For example, at least a portion of the air within the tubular recesses 120 may be evacuated by the firing of a projectile through the bore 119. When a projectile is fired, it may pull cool air into each of the tubular recesses 120, via the one or more apertures 130, as the projectile exits the muzzle end 116 of the barrel 100.

In certain exemplary embodiments, as illustrated most clearly in FIGS. 11-12, at least a portion of the side walls 122 of the tubular recesses 120 includes surface preparations, coatings, or texturing. For example, surface preparations in the form of internal threads 127 can be formed to provide texturing to the side walls 122 of the tubular recesses 120.

Alternatively, texturing 129, such as, for example, stippling can be provided on at least a portion of the side walls 122 of the tubular recesses 120. Thus, additional cooling may be accomplished by adding internal textures to the tubular recesses 120 in the form of threads 127, texture 129, high heat to transfer media, and/or by forced air cooling.

As illustrated most clearly in FIGS. 15-16, various exterior surface finishes, coatings, and/or textures may be provided to the exterior surface of the barrel 100 to increase the surface area of the barrel 100. By increasing the surface area of the barrel 100, further cooling of the barrel 100 can be accomplished.

In certain exemplary embodiments, as illustrated most clearly in FIG. 15, at least a portion of the exterior surface of the barrel 100 may comprise surface texturing 140, comprising a plurality of raised ridges or recessed grooves that traverse the barrel 100 along, for example, a helical path or as individual rings. Alternatively, as illustrated most clearly in FIG. 16, the surface texture 150 may comprise other surface finishes and textures, such as, stippling, knurling, or other surface preparations, finishes, and/or texturing known by a person of ordinary skill within the art.

The surface texture 140 or 150 may increase the total surface area of the barrel 100, thereby facilitating increased cooling of the barrel 100.

The tubular recesses 120 may be disposed in alternating non-radial patterns. The tubular recesses 120 may extend longitudinally along the barrel 100 to a predetermined depth before or after the projectile chamber 118. In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated generally to FIGS. 22-24, the tubular recesses 120 may work against each other as resultant forces are distributed throughout the barrel 100. The tubular recesses 120 may also work in isolation as resultant forces are distributed throughout the barrel 100. The tubular recesses 120 may work in concert with each other as resultant forces are distributed throughout the barrel 100.

In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the material removed that creates the tubular recesses 120 creates a second stiffening structure in the form of one or more “I-beams”. The one or more “I-beams” are distributed around the core of the barrel 100, which further creates areas or surfaces that resist bending in a second plane. For example, as a force is applied to an un-stressed original tubular recess 120 a resultant compression zone 162 and a tension zone 163 may occur. As one side of the tubular recess 120 goes into compression when a load is applied, the other side of the tubular recess 120 may go into tension.

The tubular recesses 120 may work against one another as illustrated by tubular recess 120′ and tubular recess 120″. When the edge of tubular recess 120′ goes into tension, it will be impeded by the compression of tubular recess 120″. The same scenario may apply to all tubular recesses 120 across the entirety of the barrel 100.

As illustrated generally to FIG. 24, tubular recesses 120 may have an interaction “I” with one another such that the torsional stiffness of the barrel 100 is increased. Further, tubular recesses 120 may have an interaction “I” with one another such that the flexural stiffness of the barrel 100 is increased. Tubular recesses 120 may have an interaction “I” with one another such that the sinusoidal stiffness of the barrel 100 is increased. The tubular recesses 120 may resist a sinusoidal event because the tubular recesses 120 may hinder the propagation of a cohesive sinusoidal wave across the barrel 100.

While the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlined above, the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting and the fundamental disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses should not be considered to be necessarily so constrained. It is evident that the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses is not limited to the particular variation set forth and many alternatives, adaptations modifications, and/or variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Furthermore, where a range of values is provided, it is understood that every intervening value, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and is also encompassed within the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses.

It is to be understood that the phraseology of terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses belongs.

In addition, it is contemplated that any optional feature of the inventive variations described herein may be set forth and claimed independently, or in combination with any one or more of the features described herein.

Accordingly, the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments will reveal the general nature of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses, such that others may, by applying current knowledge, change, vary, modify, and/or adapt these exemplary, non-limiting embodiments for various applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses and elements or methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in practicing the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses. Any and all such changes, variations, modifications, and/or adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed exemplary embodiments and may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses.

Also, it is noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “and”, “said”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Conversely, it is contemplated that the claims may be so-drafted to require singular elements or exclude any optional element indicated to be so here in the text or drawings. This statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely”, “only”, and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements or the use of a “negative” claim limitation(s).

Firearm Barrel Stiffening and/or Cooling Systems and Methods

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